While you think you have your beauty routine down pat, you could be... Photo-5418327.73436 - NewsTimes

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Mistake

: Purchasing anti-aging products that are packaged in jars.

"The ingredients most beneficial for skin are not stable when repeatedly exposed to light and air, which is exactly what happens when you take the lid off a jar each day,” explains Bryan Barron, co-author of Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me (cosmeticscop.com).

Opt for a tube of cream or one that you pump instead. This will also help avoid exposure to bacteria from your fingers.

“Just because a product touts natural ingredients is no guarantee it’s effective, better, or safer for skin than a product that contains a mix of natural and synthetic ingredients,” says Bryan Barron, co-author of Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me.

Especially avoid products that are fragrant, including all forms of mint, citrus, lavender, and flowers like geranium, rose, and ylang-ylang.

“Sunscreen should be used daily and should be applied to clean skin, and allow it to penetrate for 20 minutes before sun exposure,” says Denise Dubois, owner of Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness in Albany.

Mistake : Waiting until you’re at the beach to apply... Photo-5418330.73436 - NewsTimes

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Mistake

: Shaving every day.

"Shaving only removes hair at skin level, so it reappears in one to four days, and over time the skin itself becomes course,” says Noemi Grupenmager, founder and CEO of Uni K Wax Centers (unikwax.com).

Consider seeing a specialist who uses all-natural elastic wax. It removes hair below skin level, so hair grows back slower and sparser over time. Waxing lasts 3-6 weeks and is less expensive than shaving daily.

If you must shave, keep this in mind. According to Dr. Craig Kraffert, president of Amarte and a board-certified dermatologist (amartecosmetics.com): “Upward shaving strokes on the legs greatly increase the risk of pimple-like ingrown hairs.”

: Not drying your hair enough before using a tool such as a round brush.

“The bristles on the brush are not designed to run through soaking wet hair, and the concentrated heat of the blow dryer right on wet hair can be damaging,” says Sarah Pozefsky, hair stylist at Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness.

Instead, power dry hair to remove about 75 percent of the moisture before using the round brush.

Mistake : Using a liquid or marker liner on the bottom lash... Photo-5418339.73436 - NewsTimes

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Mistake

: Not washing your makeup brushes.

“You should be washing your makeup brushes once a week. A gentle baby shampoo or brush cleanser will do the trick. Squeeze out the color, and let them air dry.” — Tina Barbato, independent make-up consultant in the Capital Region (flawlessbytina.com).